RAPID technology innovation has positively impacted various aspects of business operations in Scotland, and workplace safety is not an exception. Advances in robotics, nanotechnology, video, and data analytics allow employers to improve workplace safety in various ways, from enhanced monitoring of employees’ health to reducing stress and keeping staff out of harm’s way. Aside from ensuring that workers are protected, safety technology can also improve employee morale, which essentially reduces the employee turnover rate.
Here’s how technology is advancing staff safety in Scotland
What Does Staff Safety Include?
The Health and Safety at Work Act is the main legislation that covers any work-related health and safety in Scotland. It sets out the employers’ responsibilities for the employees’ health and safety at work.
Anyone who runs a business has the legal responsibility to provide safe and healthy conditions for their staff, clients, and customers. Effective health and safety practices are essential as it keeps your employees from getting sick and prevent costly accidents. They can also help improve your business reputation with customers and employees.
As an employer, you are responsible for conducting risk assessments to ensure that the employees remain safe and healthy while at work. Conducting a risk assessment is important to spot possible health and safety hazards. Every company should have a designated person responsible for leading a risk assessment.
What Technologies Help to Keep Staff Safe
Thanks to innovation, there are now many technologies that can help keep your staff safe. But it is not enough that you invest in these technologies. You also need to give your team proper safety training. There are online e-learning health and safety courses avaiable that can give your staff a better understanding of health and safety protocols, which could help prevent workplace accidents.
When it comes to technologies for health and safety at work, companies may consider investing in safety apps that can help streamline risk and safety management, allowing employers to keep a critical eye on day-to-day operations. A 3D visualisation technology can also be useful for employees, helping them be more aware of their surroundings and any risks at work.
The Benefits to the Business
Safety technology will keep the staff protected by preventing workplace injuries. In addition, these technologies can also help keep them happy and more productive at work, which essentially benefits the business. That’s why companies must invest in technologies that will not only make workers effective and productive but should also keep them healthy and safe.
Employers should also understand that investing in these technologies can help prevent staff absences. If absences are minimised, the workplace will be more efficient. According to research, workers will be more motivated to work if their employers are committed to protecting their health and safety.
Moreover, by investing in the health and safety of your workers, downtime caused by accidents and illnesses will be reduced, which means fewer disruptions to business operations. Less disruptions could save your business from costly expenses. So although you will be spending money on these technologies, this investment will be truly worth it.
